alfalfa question

[JHinCA]

We have an opportunity to buy a load of alfalfa that is supposed to be very good quality--maybe too good for our use?--at a fairly reasonable price for our area. I don't know if I have the terminology right, but it tests?/scores? 57. We have sheep, some steers, a couple milk cows. Our friends who want to share this load with us and know the seller have a Jersey cow. i was told by someone who should know that this alfalfa that is rated?/scored?/tested? at 57 would be dangerous to feed to animals other than milk cows. He says it is hot dairy hay. He says that typical alfalfa that we have bought in the past would have scored 54 or less.

Is he right? Would it be bad for other livestock? If it is bad, what would happen to them?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

Jean

[rambler]

I wonder what test it is? RFV is typically double that number; protien level is 1/2 that. I'm not sure what number you have?

Three or 4 points will make a difference? Hum.

Do you have any poorer hay, that scores 49 or so? Put 1/2 of each out, & you should be fine.

But, I'm not sure what the number actually means. Cattle are pretty good at adjusting to the feed you give them. Donno so much about the rest.

--->Paul

[JHinCA]

I wish i knew what number it was. I also am wondering why 3 or 4 points make such a difference.

What is RFV? Is "hot dairy hay" a term you have heard?

Thanks for your input.

[arabian knight]

Well if that number is twice what the protein is. Heck we fed 28% protein alfalfa to horses all the time in AZ. As that is the only hay that is grown.
I worked on a boarding stable for 10 years in Tempe, AZ., and the owner bought hay from a hay broker the same hay that was being used at those huge dairy farms in AZ. and Ca.
I even worked a few months on a Andalusian horse farm and even she ordered that high powered pure Alfalfa for her hay to feed to those very expensive animals.
So 28 and 28 is 56? What is the big deal for feeding that quality of hay to animals other then dairy cows?

[Lazy J]

I assume the OP is from California. Hay on the West side of the Rockies is sold based on TDN, while hay in the East is sold based on RFV.

[artificer]

Originally Posted by Lazy J

I assume the OP is from California. Hay on the West side of the Rockies is sold based on TDN, while hay in the East is sold based on RFV.

Researcher geekness showing through...

TDN is Total digestible nutrients

RFV is Relative feed value

I was unaware of the TDN values for alfalfa, and this article tells why... TDN is for grass hay, but RFV is for alfalfa hay. TDN rated grass hay is normally fed to beef cattle, not dairy cattle. Probably my midwestern background limiting my knowledge, since I was unfamiliar with TDN.

Michael

[rambler]

It used to be TDN applied to alfalfa too, but they developed the better RFV scale which applies to alfalfa much better.

Yea, I've heard of 'rich' hay as is likely meant here, but you just feed less of it. Would affect horses perhaps, cattle - offer them other roughages & limit the 'hot rich' hay a bit, and they should be fine.

'Floundering' could be an outcome of too much rich feed for cattle I guess.

--->Paul

[springvalley]

I know if you can get real good alfalfa hay for the price of good grass it is hard to pass on. I would just feed a little with other hay if you want. I don`t know what kind of dairy cows you have, and their lactation, if they are jersey`s and dry right now, you don`t need to feed them alfalfa. More people have trouble with milkfever because they feed to rich a feed, never feed Jersey`s alfalfa during their dry period, you may once they have their calf but not before. Everything you have don`t really need alfalfa, but your sheep would really love it, but don`t overfeed.>Thanks Marc

[JHinCA]

Thanks for the responses. They were very helpful. I am glad to know about TDN and RFV.

Jean